Sikh Gurdwara, Roath, Cardiff

We visit one of the largest gurdwaras in Wales, based in Pearl Street, Roath in Cardiff.

Sikhism is the fourth-largest religion in the country, with over 300 gurdwaras in the UK and over 4,000 Sikhs living in Wales.

Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak circa 1500 in the Punjab, India, and it is a monotheistic religion that believes in one god. Guru Nanak’s teachings are recorded in the holy scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib. This is the focus of the service and the sung recitation.

The service starts with sung sacred text performed and led by the granthi, or priest, and with accompaniment throughout – a harmonium keyboard and the drums or tabla. The principal part of the service consists of several kirtan sessions. Kirtan is the devotional singing of sacred hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib, accompanied by the instruments. It is the focus of the communal worship and connects the community to the core Sikh teachings of humility, compassion and seva, meaning service to others.

There is activity throughout the gurdwara during the service – there are classes at a Sunday school, sharing and passing the sacred traditions to the younger generation and teaching the Punjabi language. Before leaving the gurdwara, everyone is encouraged to partake of langar. Langar means open kitchen, a communal meal and experience shared by Sikhs and all visitors to the gurdwara, of any background or faith.

The principal contributors in this programme include Davinder Kaur and Manvinder Kaur, who are both volunteer teachers of Punjabi and religious education in the gurdwara school. Other contributors include worshippers of different ages who share their experiences, explaining the importance for them of visiting the gurdwara and what the Sikh faith means for them.